December 20, 2010

Santa Coop is bringing a healthy Jake Peavy to the South Side

Those White Sox fans still hoping for the perfect gift during this holiday season might have just received such a present from pitching coach Don Cooper. Cooper spoke Monday to MLB.com about a Jake Peavy rehabilitation throwing session he witnessed in Chicago about two weeks ago. And the reviews of Peavy’s showing provided by the White Sox pitching leader bordered on uplifting.

“With my eyes, he looked free and easy and was going through what he was doing pretty [darn] well,” said Cooper, who was joined by White Sox head athletic trainer Herm Schneider at Peavy’s workout. “I was immediately talking about how he looked looser, freer, easier and quicker.

“The problems he had were going on before he ended up ripping his muscle off. It was not a one-day thing. But in the words he used, ‘I feel normal.'”

… Cooper’s endorsement of Peavy on Monday speaks volumes as to how the right-hander is on the right track to recovery.

“He did a heck of a job to be where he’s at,” said Cooper. “I really didn’t think he would be right there. I thought it would be slower, but he hopped right into it and has a chance to be ready.

“Regardless, the next step is to build up strength and break through mental barriers common with this sort of injury. One is to let it go more and more, picking up the intensity of throws, and constantly climbing.” …

not sure on the exact timetable but if he can be ready on opening day that would be fantastic. the rotation would be set (danks-floyd-buehrle-peavy-jackson) and sale can go to the minors and become a starter in 2012.

I’m just nervous he’ll stay on the bullpen and focus on what he needs to do to be successful as a reliever and neglect the starting development. maybe he can focus on developing next year. next year he’ll be 23.